Giant Jellyfish Spotted on Cabopino Beach
On Thursday, 12th September, beachgoers at Cabopino beach in Marbella were taken aback by the sight of giant jellyfish. Photos and videos of the marine creatures were sent to this newspaper, which were then forwarded to marine biologists for identification.
Identifying the Intruders
The marine experts identified the jellyfish as the Rhizostoma luteum species. These jellyfish can grow up to 50 centimetres in diameter, weigh as much as 40 kilos, and have tentacles that can stretch up to three metres long. According to Jesús Bellido, a seasoned marine biologist and the current coordinator of the technical office of the Spanish committee of the IUCN, these jellyfish are becoming a common sight on the beaches of the Costa del Sol.
Increasing Presence on Malaga Coasts
Bellido stated that since the start of the 21st century, the Rhizostoma luteum species has been spotted more frequently along the coasts of Malaga province. The Aula del Mar Foundation and the Infomedusa app project have been tracking the jellyfish’s movements for several years. They have observed that the jellyfish are most commonly seen in the last month of summer, particularly from mid-August through September.
The “Stinging Water” Phenomenon
Despite their intimidating size and long tentacles, the sting of the Rhizostoma luteum is relatively mild, causing more of a stinging sensation or discomfort rather than pain. These jellyfish are also known for causing what Bellido refers to as “stinging water”. The jellyfish release stinging cells that mix with the water, causing itching when they come into contact with sensitive areas of the skin.
Admiring the Beauty of the Jellyfish
Bellido encourages beach visitors to appreciate the beauty of these large jellyfish, especially when they are at their peak. The jellyfish, sometimes referred to as “barrel jellyfish” due to the shape of their tentacles, were doubted to exist as a separate species until recently due to lack of evidence.
Increasing Sightings on Spanish Mediterranean Coast
In the summer of 2012, about 50 specimens were spotted on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, specifically on the beaches of Murcia, Almeria, Granada and Malaga provinces. This confirmed their increasing presence on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The jellyfish serve an important ecological function, providing protection for the young of several species of edible fish, such as horse mackerel.
More Frequent Sightings on Eastern Atlantic Coast
Typically, these jellyfish are pelagic animals that live in open waters and were rarely seen in coastal waters. However, they are now often washed up by currents or storms. They are most commonly seen on the eastern Atlantic coast, from the Bay of Biscay to Senegal, but are increasingly being spotted on beaches in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea off the Costa del Sol.
